Fluidic selector valve

ABSTRACT

A fluidic selector valve having a plurality of mode positions which are independently activated, by the depressing action of a ball and spring mechanism upon a valve body.

United States Patent Hiler June 10, 1975 [541 FLUIDIC SELECTOR VALVE 2,655,941 10/1953 Brown............ 137/627 1 1 mentor: Albert R. Hi1", Lakewood, @010 3312233??? 311322 311E111? 1335232? 73 Assigneez Sandoz Inc. 5 Hanover 3,800,821 4/!974 Kacsor 251/297 X [22] Filed: Sept 28, 1973 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS l,650,587 9/1970 Germany l37/636.l [21] Appl. No.: 401,925

Primary Examiner-Robert G. Nilson 52 U.S. c1. 137/627; 137/607; 137/636; Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Gerald Sharkin; Robert 251/297 S. Honor; Walter F. Jewell [51] Int. Cl. Fl6k 11/14 [58] Field 6: Search 137/607, 609, 627, 636, ABSTRACT 137/6361; 251/297 A fluidic selector valve having a plurality of mode positions which are independently activated, by the de- [56] References Cited pressing action of a ball and spring mechanism upon a UNITED STATES PATENTS valve y- 2,376,022 5/1945 Wolcott |37/636.l 1 Claim, 2 Drawing Figures 1 FLUIDIC SELECTOR VALVE This invention relates to fluidic selector valves, more specifically, it relates to fluidic selector valves for use in a breathing apparatus.

In breathing apparatus, such as ventilators using fluidic systems as control and power sources, different modes of operation are often incorporated into the same apparatus. For example, in a breathing system which incorporates control, assist and assist/control modes, in the control position the patient is being breathed mechanically, in the assist position the patient triggers the apparatus, and in the assist/control position both the mechanical and patient assist modes are in operation.

It is desirable in this type of apparatus to be able to selectively switch from one operating mode to another without undue hindrance to the operator.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a fluidic selector valve which may selectively accommodate a plurality of modes in a fluidic breathing appparatus.

This and other objects of the invention become apparent from the following detailed description and drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the fluidic switch of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the fluidic switch of FIG. 2 through the section 22.

Broadly, this invention provides a fluidic selector switch having a plurality of positions which are independently activated. It comprises a switch body housing a plurality of valve cores, e.g., tire valve cores which are activated by the depressing action of a spring activated ball.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown generally at a fluidic selector valve having a switch body 11 and a valve selector 12. The switch body comprises a valve chamber 13, a valve 14, e.g., a tire valve in the chamber, a valve activator l6, e.g., a pin actuator in the chamber, and an open port 17 in fluid communication with the valve chamber via conduit 18. Although only one valve chamber, valve and communication conduit are illustrated, this is not a limitation of the invention as it is understood that 2, 3, 4 or more valve chambers valves and interconnecting conduits with the open part may be utilized, and that a description of one valve chamber, valve and valve actuator is all that is necessary for an understanding of the invention.

The valve selector 12 comprises a knob 19, a ball 21, a spring 22 and a ball chamber 23 for containing the ball and spring.

FIG. 2 shows three valve chambers 13, the open port 17, and the interconnecting conduits 18.

In operation when the selector knob 19 is turned to the desired operation mode, as indicated on a keyed index ring 24, the ball chamber 23 is positioned (aligned) over the selected valve chamber and the ball actuated by the spring compressed pin actuator 16 which compresses (opens) the valve 14, thus releasing fluid, e.g., air, oxygen, and the like from a source, not shown, through conduit 26 past the valve and into conduit 18 to the open port 17. When a different opera tional mode is desired, the valve selector is turned to that mode, thus removing the ball from the pin actuator and closing the valve 14 to shut off the fluid supply to the open port. When the ball reaches the new mode position, the valve contacting that mode is open as described above and fluid from it is then released to the open part.

The switch body is preferably a two piece body with one port 27 containing the tire valve. The second part 28 containing the valve actuator and conduit 18. The parts 27 and 28 may be secured together by conventional means e.g., a screw 29.

The valve selector is held in slidable communication with port 28 of the switch body by a lock nut 31.

What is claimed is:

l. A fluidic selector valve device comprising in combination a switch body, a plurality of valve chambers in the switch body, a fluidic valve removably secured in each of the valve chambers, a valve actuator slidably received in each of the valve chambers, a port in the body in fluidic communication with the valve chambers, a rotatable valve selector slidably secured to the switch body, the selector comprising a housing and a chamber in the housing with a ball and spring in the chamber, the selector when rotated aligning the ball and spring housing such that the spring actuates the ball to compress the valve actuator to engage and open the valve to emit a fluid to the port. 

1. A fluidic selector valve device comprising in combination a switch body, a plurality of valve chambers in the switch body, a fluidic valve removably secured in each of the valve chambers, a valve actuator slidably received in each of the valve chambers, a port in the body in fluidic communication with the valve chambers, a rotatable valve selector slidably secured to the switch body, the selector comprising a housing and a chamber in the housing with a ball and spring in the chamber, the selector when rotated aligning the ball and spring housing such that the spring actuates the ball to compress the valve actuator to engage and open the valve to emit a fluid to the port. 